Mike Ragogna: What are your thoughts tonight about our celebrating some of our best new songwriters? Jimmy Jam: I’m really excited, I love this event. I thought I was only attending as a fan, but as it turns out, I’ll be giving an award to Drake–The Hal David Starlight Award, which I’m thrilled about because […]
Continue readingMike Ragogna: Dwight, what do you think of tonight’s festivities? Dwight Yoakum: Well, I’m very excited to be here and happy to be here honoring all of these songwriters but, in my case, specifically Leon Russell. MR: What’s your favorite song of his? DY: I would have to say, “Superstar.” I’ve always loved it. I […]
Continue readingMike Ragogna: So, what’s the Skylar Grey story? Skylar Grey: I’ve been writing and singing my whole life. I started performing professionally when I was six. During my first piano recital, I even did an original song, so I’ve always been writing. So, when I moved out to Los Angeles and I began working with […]
Continue readingMike Ragogna: It’s nice to acknowledge new and fresh songwriting talent, huh. Allen Toussaint: It’s so easy in this industry to live your whole life and never be noticed. MR: What’s it like when you hear your songs being performed today? AT: Well, when I hear my songs performed on TV or anywhere, it’s a […]
Continue readingMike Ragogna: What is your advice to new artists? Garth Brooks: Well, support your songwriter for sure, and bust your ass whenever you can. For new artists, it’s hard to say. Songwriters these days are finding new ways to make their money and stay above water. It used to all depend on record sales, and […]
Continue readingMike Ragogna: What’s your advice for new artists? Gary US Bonds: One piece of advice I would give is that you have to have fun. Don’t take anything too seriously. But if you do take it seriously and you want to make money, the best advice I can give would be to seek legal representation […]
Continue readingMike Ragogna: How does it feel to be receiving your Visionary Leadership award tonight? Hal David: It’s exciting. It’s the first award that I’ve gotten that has nothing to do with my writing. This one is for my leadership, and I’m very flattered. MR: What advice do you have for new writers? HD: Just keep […]
Continue readingMike Ragogna: Do you have any advice that you would give to new artists? Dwight Yoakum: I don’t know what the rules are, I don’t think anybody does, so you have to make them up as you go.
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